Dr. Kaplan passed away in Boca Raton at age 91. He is survived by a daughter, Judy Kaplan. Dr. Kaplan was Chairman of the Music Department. Dr. Kaplan was a mensch. He was more than a teacher, far more than a band conductor. He cared about the music but not more than he cared about his student players.

“Doc” Kaplan was one of the most influential teachers in Wingate. The music department in Wingate was my first experience playing any musical instrument. Because of the encouragement I got from “Doc” I went on to playing professionally. Some of my fondest memories of Wingate were made in that band room.

I recently wrote my book "First Steps to Jazz Improvisation" and mentioned him on my "Acknowledgement" page along with Danny Repole. God bless Doctor Kaplan.

Dr. Kaplan touched many of us at Wingate. I did not have a clue about what instrument I wanted to play and found the clarinet thanks to Doc. I was in the band (1st clarinet) and that experience truly helped me gain confidence.

Dr. Kaplan,I remember just going straight to him without asking anyone the procedure asking to be in the band because I learned & played in the JHS 111k band. I had no audition. He raised his voice with passion about the music we played. Never feeling negativity towards his students. I remember he tried something new a small class teaching the organ. Did anyone take that class. Marta BengocheaClass of 1974.